Monday, February 1, 2016

World Dance Festival

Black Box Theater is tiny, and my friend Barbara and I were lucky enough to snatch up a pair of front row seats. The performers were so close that I had to move my feet a few times.

It was a full house with a sold out show.

I took dozens of photos, but my camera isn't so great. I'll just share the least blurry images, I think you'll get the feel.

Everything was so mesmerizing and rich. I was deeply inspired by all of it: the music, the costumes, and especially the dancing. I wanted to jump up and join the performers. At one point I told Barbara that my soul was on the stage dancing right along with them, and she felt the same way.

Each performance was a story told through movement. Some featured original choreography while others shared cultural tradition. There were collaborations, fusions, history lessons, and even a modern day taste of cabaret and hoop dancing.

The energy was different for each dance, but always contagious.

And look at these costumes!

The stage was a vibrant kaleidoscope of flowers, feathers, brocade, coins, crystals, and beads.